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Family Friendly Volunteer Opportunities

Give Me Five
FAMILY FRIENDLY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

By: Shannon Kaiser | November 7, 2024

Here are five family-friendly volunteer opportunities in Marin that you can enjoy with young children:

1. Beach or Park Cleanups

Many organizations like the Marin County Parks and Surfrider Foundation Marin County host beach and park cleanup events. These are great for young kids because they can safely participate by picking up small trash items, learning about the environment, and feeling proud of their contribution to keeping nature clean. This is also a great activity to add into your family’s usual visits to local beaches and parks, just bring an extra trash bag!

2. Community Gardening Projects

Volunteer at the Marin City Community Garden alongside SMMC nonprofit partner The Marin County Cooperation Team (MCCT). Children can help plant flowers, pull weeds, water plants, and learn about where food comes from while also giving back to the community. It’s a fun way for kids to get their hands dirty while making a positive impact. MCCT holds volunteer days in the garden twice per month, and you can attend any of those - sign up here. Also keep an eye out for future SMMC-sponsored volunteer days there!

3. Donating and Sorting Food

Organizations like SF-Marin Food Bank allow families to help sort and pack food that will go to those in need. Even younger children can assist in simple tasks like sorting or packing, and it’s a great way to teach compassion and empathy while making a tangible difference. The minimum age for volunteering at the Food Bank is 8, but you can also organize food donation drives in your neighborhood, child care community, school, etc. to help engage younger children in the spirit of giving. If you want to pursue this and would like to be connected with an SMMC nonprofit partner who can accept food donations, please email philanthropy@southernmarinmoms.com.

4. Holiday Card or Care Package Making

Volunteer from home or at local shelters by creating cards, art, or small care packages for seniors, veterans, or families in need. This is a creative and meaningful activity kids can get involved in, especially around the holidays. This holiday season SMMC will be partnering with Homeward Bound for our annual holiday drive. Find out more ways to get involved HERE >>

5. Supporting Animal Shelters

Many shelters, like Marin Humane, welcome families to volunteer by helping care for animals, socializing pets, or even reading to shelter animals. These activities foster a love for animals in young children while teaching important lessons in kindness and responsibility. Marin Humane also offers an Animal Care Club for kids over 10, providing more hands-on opportunities to get involved.

Another great way children can support shelters is by organizing a pet food drive in place of birthday gifts. For kids over 6, you can even host a birthday party at Marin Humane, making it a fun and meaningful way to celebrate while giving back.

These activities not only offer children the chance to learn about giving back but also provide valuable family bonding time.

If you are interested in learning about future volunteer opportunities with SMMC and in the broader community, join the SMMC Volunteering Whatsapp group HERE >>.

Shannon lives in Tiburon with her husband, Rolf; four kids, Will, Isla, Luke and Dylan; and a crazy dog, Teddy. When Shannon is not busy volunteering (this year she is serving as the Director of Communications/Editor of the Crier) or chauffeuring her kids around, she enjoys getting out on the water sailing, reading (the same page over and over again), cooking (food that no one eats) and enjoying the beauty of life in Marin. She would love to hear from you at smmcshannon@gmail.com.